Vessel Grounds Near Seskar Island, Investigation Underway
On February 7, 2026, the cargo ship ‘Sfera’ ran aground near Seskar Island in the eastern Gulf of Finland at 6:42 a.m. The vessel, which was transporting 72,000 tons of fertilizer, was on its way from Vistino to Skagen when it became stuck in position 60° 10′ N, 028° 18′ E. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the crew. As of February 9, the ship remained stranded, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding by the Leningrad-Finnish Transport Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigation Details
The grounding of the ‘Sfera’ has raised questions about navigation safety in the area. The Leningrad-Finnish Transport Prosecutor’s Office is currently looking into the incident to determine the cause. Investigators will analyze all available data, including the ship’s navigation records and weather conditions at the time of the accident. This inquiry aims to uncover whether human error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors contributed to the grounding.
Investigations of this nature are crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future. Maritime safety officials will also review the response measures taken after the grounding to ensure that protocols were followed correctly. The findings from this investigation may lead to recommendations for improved safety procedures for shipping in the Gulf of Finland.
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Vessel Details and Sale
The ‘Sfera’ is currently known for its cargo of fertilizer, emphasizing the importance of safe transport for agricultural materials. Recently, it was reported that the vessel has been sold to Franco Naviera for $19.20 million. This sale could impact the future operations and management of the vessel, especially as it navigates through recovery from the grounding incident.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders in the maritime industry will be keeping a close watch on the developments. Ensuring the safe passage of vessels like the ‘Sfera’ is vital for maintaining trade routes and safeguarding marine environments.
The ‘Sfera’ does not have its IMO number or flag confirmed at this time. However, its recent grounding highlights the ongoing challenges faced by commercial shipping in busy maritime routes. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the investigation.
